Southport Local Briefing — 20 October 2026

Axel Rudakubana due to face 2027 trial over alleged Belmarsh attacks

Axel Rudakubana is due to stand trial in 2027 over allegations involving attacks on prison officers at HMP Belmarsh during 2025. He appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink and was not asked to enter pleas. A preliminary hearing is listed for 5 February, with a provisional trial date of 8 October.

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Sefton Council's Customer Services team dealt with more than 274,000 enquiries in a single year

Sefton Council’s Customer Services team handled 274,104 enquiries and service requests between April 2025 and March 2026, through phone, email, webchat and One Stop Shops. Surveys recorded high satisfaction, while the service retained its Customer Service Excellence accreditation. Contact is available through the Contact Centre and sites in Bootle and Southport.

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Nine installations revealed for Southport’s Jolly Postman Book Trail

Books Alive! will bring stories, activities and immersive experiences to Southport from 24 to 31 October. The Jolly Postman trail features nine installations around the town centre, while the Festival of Stories runs at Southport Library and The Atkinson on 29 and 30 October. Events are free, with advance booking recommended.

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Southport lose 2-0 at home to Radcliffe

Southport were beaten 2-0 by Radcliffe at the Merseyrail Community Stadium on Saturday. Finley McAllister headed the visitors ahead before Tyler James doubled their advantage in the second half. The Sandgrounders remain 22nd in the National League North with nine points from 12 matches, while attendance was 1,547.

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